Cage in an mrd with a fastening/attenuating system

ABSTRACT

Methods of fastening a cage with a fastening system in an MRD. One method includes: assembling: a plurality of pole pieces; a plurality of side magnets, the side magnets substantially enclosing the pole pieces and thereby defining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of side walls, the side walls substantially enclosing the side magnets; a plurality of face walls and a plurality of fastening rods; and passing a plurality of fastening rods through at least one of the side magnets and at least one of the pole pieces and fastening them in an effective measure, such that the rods physically interconnects at least one pair of side walls.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No.61/221,571, filed 30 Jun. 2009.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a cage in a magnetic resonance device(MRD) with a fastening/attenuating system and methods thereof.

Magnetic resonance is used in a variety of applications to analyze andimage matter, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy,electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, nuclear quadrupole resonance(NQR), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The principle is that whenexposed to a uniform magnetic field, the subatomic particles in an atomwill align with the magnetic field. A short electromagnetic burstdisturbs the alignment, producing signals from the subatomic particles.The multitude of signals can tell an investigator about the composition,structure, and location of a sample. A more uniform magnetic field willproduce less noise and more precise results. In order to produce a highquality image, the magnetic field used must be extremely stable anduniform.

The use of simple permanent magnet structures, such as C-magnet andH-magnet configurations, is not enough to achieve a sufficiently uniformmagnetic field. In order to achieve such uniformity, elements correctingthe inhomogeneity of the magnetic field are added, according to theprinciple of the fields' superposition. Coils, magnetic parts, or othermeans of enabling correction of the principal field are added in orderto obtain a homogeneous field in the zone of interest. The preciselocation of these contributory components is crucial.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,959,454 to Westphal et. al. discloses a magnetarrangement for an NMR tomography system, in particular for skin andsurface examinations, which contains a one-sided NMR system having tworing magnets and a cylindrical magnet. Their respective locationsprovide a certain degree of uniformity.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,191,584 presents a permanent magnet for NMR imagedetection which contains a magnetic structure having a yoke and magneticpoles, so shaped as to delimit or enclose a cavity.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,946,939 discloses a packaging plate for an interlockingmagnetic circuit package comprised of multiple permanent magnets.

The ability to adjust the position and attenuation of contributorymagnetic fields allows for a more precise calibration of the field inthe area of interest. Therefore, a cage in a magnetic resonance devicewith a fastening and attenuating system still meets a long-felt need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one object of the invention to disclose a cage with a fasteningsystem in an MRD (magnetic resonance device), the cage with fasteningsystem comprising a plurality of M pole pieces, where M is an integergreater than or equal to 2; a plurality of N side magnets, where N is aninteger greater than or equal to 2, the side magnets substantiallyenclosing the pole pieces and thereby defining a magnetic envelope andenclosed volume therein; a plurality of N side walls, the side wallssubstantially enclosing the side magnets; and, a plurality of P facewalls, where P is an integer greater than or equal to 2; and a pluralityof fastening rods; wherein each of the fastening rods physicallyinterconnects at least one pair of side walls, passing through at leastone of the side magnets and at least one of the pole pieces.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cage in a magneticresonance device; it is characterized in that the cage is secured by afastening system, and comprises a plurality of M pole pieces, where M isan integer greater than or equal to 2; a plurality of N side magnets,where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the side magnetssubstantially enclosing the pole pieces and thereby defining a magneticenvelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of N side walls, theside walls substantially enclosing the side magnets; a plurality of Pface walls, where P is an integer greater than or equal to 2; and aplurality of fastening screws; wherein each of the fastening screwsphysically interconnects one of the face walls with one of the sidewalls.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cage in a magneticresonance device; it is characterized in that the cage is secured by afastening system, and comprises a plurality of M pole pieces, where M isan integer greater than or equal to 2; a plurality of N side magnets,where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the side magnetssubstantially enclosing the pole pieces and thereby defining a magneticenvelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of N side walls, theside walls substantially enclosing the side magnets; a plurality of Pface walls, where P is an integer greater than or equal to 2; aplurality of fastening rods; and, a plurality of fastening screws;wherein each of the fastening rods physically interconnects at least onepair of side walls, passing through at least one of the side magnets andat least one of the pole pieces, and further wherein each of thefastening screws physically interconnects one of the face walls with oneof the side walls.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cage in a magneticresonance device, characterized in that the cage is secured by afastening system, and comprises a plurality of M pole pieces, where M isan integer greater than or equal to 2; a plurality of N side magnets,where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the side magnetssubstantially enclosing the pole pieces and thereby defining a magneticenvelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of N side wallsdefined by at least one shaped recess, the side walls substantiallyenclosing the side magnets; a plurality of P face walls defined by atleast one anchoring latches suitable to be securely accommodated withinthe shaped recess, where P is an integer greater than or equal to 2; anda plurality of fastening screws; wherein each of the anchoring latchesphysically interconnects one of the face walls with one of the sidewalls.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cage in a magneticresonance device, characterized in that the cage is secured by afastening system, and comprises a plurality of M pole pieces, where M isan integer greater than or equal to 2; a plurality of N side magnets,where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the side magnetssubstantially enclosing the pole pieces and thereby defining a magneticenvelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of N side walls, theside walls substantially enclosing the side magnets; a plurality of Pface walls, where P is an integer greater than or equal to 2;optionally, a set of two or more fastening abutments; and at least onefastening belt, optionally fastened and secured by means of ratchet;wherein the fastening belt physically interconnects at least a portionof the circumference of the cage.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cage in a magneticresonance device, characterized in that the cage is secured by afastening system, and comprises a plurality of M pole pieces, where M isan integer greater than or equal to 2; a plurality of N side magnets,where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the side magnetssubstantially enclosing the pole pieces and thereby defining a magneticenvelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of N side walls, theside walls substantially enclosing the side magnets; a plurality of Pface walls, where P is an integer greater than or equal to 2; aplurality of fastening rods; optionally, a set of two or more fasteningabutments; and at least one fastening belt, optionally fastened andsecured by means of ratchet; wherein each of the fastening rodsphysically interconnects at least one pair of side walls, passingthrough at least one of the side magnets and at least one of the polepieces; and further wherein the fastening belt physically interconnectsat least a portion of the circumference of the cage

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cage in a magneticresonance device, characterized in that the cage is secured by afastening system, and comprises a plurality of M pole pieces, where M isan integer greater than or equal to 2; a plurality of N side magnets,where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the side magnetssubstantially enclosing the pole pieces and thereby defining a magneticenvelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of N side walls, theside walls substantially enclosing the side magnets; a plurality of Pface walls, where P is an integer greater than or equal to 2; aplurality of fastening screws; optionally, a set of two or morefastening abutments; and at least one fastening belt, optionallyfastened and secured by means of ratchet; wherein each of the fasteningscrews physically interconnects one of the face walls with one of theside walls; and further wherein each of the fastening belt physicallyinterconnects at least a portion of the circumference of the cage.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cage in a magneticresonance device, characterized in that the cage is secured by afastening system, and comprises a plurality of M pole pieces, where M isan integer greater than or equal to 2; a plurality of N side magnets,where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the side magnetssubstantially enclosing the pole pieces and thereby defining a magneticenvelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of N side walls, theside walls substantially enclosing the side magnets; a plurality of Pface walls, where P is an integer greater than or equal to 2; aplurality of fastening rods; a plurality of fastening screws;optionally, a set of two or more fastening abutments; and at least onefastening belt, optionally fastened and secured by means of ratchet;wherein each of the fastening rods physically interconnects at least onepair of side walls, passing through at least one of the side magnets andat least one of the pole pieces; wherein each of the fastening screwsphysically interconnects one of the face walls with one of the sidewalls; and further wherein each of the fastening belt physicallyinterconnects at least a portion of the circumference of the cage.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cage in a magneticresonance device, characterized in that the cage is secured by afastening system, and comprises a plurality of M pole pieces, where M isan integer greater than or equal to 2; a plurality of N side magnets,where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the side magnetssubstantially enclosing the pole pieces and thereby defining a magneticenvelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of N side wallsdefined by at least one shaped recess, the side walls substantiallyenclosing the side magnets; a plurality of P face walls defined by atleast one anchoring latches suitable to be securely accommodated withinthe shaped recess, where P is an integer greater than or equal to 2;optionally, a set of two or more fastening abutments; and at least onefastening belt, optionally fastened and secured by means of ratchet;wherein the fastening belt physically interconnects at least a portionof the circumference of the cage; and further wherein each of theanchoring latches physically interconnects one of the face walls withone of the side walls.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cage in a magneticresonance device, characterized by shaped internal and/or externalcross-section; the shape is selected from a group consisting of polygonhaving three or more facets, cylinder and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cage in a magneticresonance device, wherein the fastening means are configured in a mannerit characterized by shaped cross-section; the shape is selected from agroup consisting of polygon having three or more facets, cylinder andany combination thereof.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cage with afastening/attenuating system in an MRD and comprises a plurality of Mpole pieces, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2; and aplurality of Q main magnets, where Q is an integer greater than or equalto 2, at least one of the main magnets is attached to at least one polepiece; the main magnet and/or the pole piece positioned, when cage isassembled, in a three-dimensional configuration ensuring application ofhighest homogeneous magnetic gradient by the magnets; a plurality of Nside magnets, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the sidemagnets substantially enclosing the pole pieces and thereby defining amagnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of N sidewalls defined by at least one shaped recess, the side wallssubstantially enclosing the side magnets; a plurality of P face walls,where P is an integer greater than or equal to 2; a plurality of Rseparating/adjusting rods (SAPs), where R is an integer greater than orequal to 1, each of said SAPs oriented substantially north-southrelative to the poles of said main magnets and crossing the end cover,the end cup, potentially a preset gap between the end cover and the endgap, the main magnet and the pole piece, with at least one of said SAPsbeing fastenable, maneuverable or otherwise adjustable by means of acontrolled adjusting mechanism located adjacent to at least one end ofsaid SAP; wherein by fastening, maneuvering or otherwise adjusting saidSAP by means of the controlled adjusting mechanism, thethree-dimensional configuration of the either main magnet and/or polepiece is adjusted providing a homogeneous, stable and uniform magneticfield therein.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cage with afastening/attenuating system in an MRD as defined above, characterizedby a shaped internal and/or external cross-section; the shape isselected from a group consisting of polygon having three or more facets,cylinder and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a cage with afastening/attenuating system in an MRD as defined above, characterizedby a a shaped cross-section; the shape is selected from a groupconsisting of polygon having three or more facets, cylinder and anycombination thereof.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a method of fasteninga cage with a fastening system in an MRD, said method comprising stepsof (a) assembling a plurality of pole pieces, a plurality of sidemagnets, the side magnets substantially enclosing the pole pieces andthereby defining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; aplurality of side walls, the side walls substantially enclosing the sidemagnets; a plurality of face walls and a plurality of fastening rods;and (b) passing a plurality of fastening rods through at least one ofthe side magnets and at least one of the pole pieces and fastening themin an effective measure, such that the rods physically interconnects atleast one pair of side walls.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a method of fasteninga cage with a fastening system in an MRD, said method comprising stepsof (a) assembling a plurality of pole pieces, a plurality of sidemagnets, the side magnets substantially enclosing the pole pieces andthereby defining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; aplurality of side walls, the side walls substantially enclosing the sidemagnets; a plurality of face walls; and, a plurality of fasteningscrews; and (b) physically interconnecting one of the face walls thefastening screws with one of the side walls.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a method of fasteninga cage with a fastening system in an MRD, said method comprising stepsof (a) assembling a plurality of pole pieces, a plurality of sidemagnets, the side magnets substantially enclosing the pole pieces andthereby defining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; aplurality of side walls, the side walls substantially enclosing the sidemagnets; a plurality of face walls; and a plurality of fastening rods;and plurality of fastening screws; and (b) passing a plurality offastening rods through at least one of the side magnets and at least oneof the pole pieces and fastening them in an effective measure, such thatthe rods physically interconnects at least one pair of side walls; whilephysically interconnecting one of the face walls the fastening screwswith one of the side walls.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a method of fasteninga cage with a fastening system in an MRD, said method comprising stepsof (a) assembling a plurality of pole pieces, a plurality of sidemagnets, the side magnets substantially enclosing the pole pieces andthereby defining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; aplurality of side walls, the side walls substantially enclosing the sidemagnets; a plurality of P face walls defined by at least one anchoringlatches suitable to be securely accommodated within the shaped recess;and, a plurality of fastening screws; and (b) physically interconnectingone of the face walls' anchoring latches with one of the side walls.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a method of fasteninga cage with a fastening system in an MRD, said method comprising stepsof (a) assembling a plurality of pole pieces, a plurality of sidemagnets, the side magnets substantially enclosing the pole pieces andthereby defining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; aplurality of side walls, the side walls substantially enclosing the sidemagnets; a plurality of face walls; and at least one fastening belt,optionally fastened and secured by means of ratchet; and (b) physicallyinterconnecting at least a portion of the circumference of the cage bythe fastening belt.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a method of fasteninga cage with a fastening system in an MRD, said method comprising stepsof (a) assembling a plurality of pole pieces, a plurality of sidemagnets, the side magnets substantially enclosing the pole pieces andthereby defining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; aplurality of side walls, the side walls substantially enclosing the sidemagnets; a plurality of face walls; at least one fastening belt,optionally fastened and secured by means of ratchet; and a plurality offastening rods; and (b) passing a plurality of the fastening rodsthrough at least one of the side magnets and at least one of the polepieces and fastening them in an effective measure, such that the rodsphysically interconnects at least one pair of side walls whilephysically interconnecting at least a portion of the circumference ofthe cage by the fastening belt

It is another object of the invention to disclose a method ofattenuating the magnetic field within a sample cavity in a fastened cageof an MRD, the method comprising steps of (a) assembling a plurality ofpole pieces; a plurality of main magnets; at least one of the mainmagnets is attached to at least one pole piece, the main magnet and/orthe pole piece positioned, when cage is assembled, in athree-dimensional configuration ensuring application of highesthomogeneous magnetic gradient by the magnets; a plurality of sidemagnets, the side magnets substantially enclosing the pole pieces andthereby defining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; aplurality of side walls defined by at least one shaped recess, the sidewalls substantially enclosing the side magnets; a plurality of facewalls; a plurality of R separating/adjusting rods (SAPs), where R is aninteger greater than or equal to 1, each of the SAPs orientedsubstantially north-south relative to said main magnets and crossing theend cover, the end cup, potentially a preset gap between the end coverand the end gap, the main magnet and the pole piece, and (b) fastening,maneuvering or otherwise adjusting at least one of said SAPs by means ofa controlled adjusting mechanism located adjacent to at least one end ofthe SAP; such that the three-dimensional configuration of the eithermain magnet and/or pole piece is adjusted providing a homogeneous,stable and uniform magnetic field therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may beimplemented in practice, a plurality of embodiments is adapted to now bedescribed, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B each illustrates a schematic top view of analternative integratably-fastented and mechanically secured cage in anMRD with a fastening system (rod-based systems 1A and 1B) according toone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of another integratably-fastented andmechanically secured cage in an MRD with a fastening system (ascrew-based system 2) according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate each a schematic top view of anotherintegratably-fastented and mechanically secured cage in an MRD with afastening system (both rod & screw-based system 3, 4) according toanother embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic side top of anotherintegratably-fastented and mechanically secured cage in an MRD with afastening system (both rod & latch-based system 5) according to anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side schematic top of anothernon-integrated-fastented and mechanically secured cage in an MRD with afastening system (a cable-based system 6) according to anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic top of both non-integrated andintegratably-fastented mechanically secured cage in an MRD with afastening system (both rod & cable-based system 7) according to anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8-10 illustrate each a schematic top view of both non-integratedand integratably-fastented mechanically secured cage in an MRD with afastening system (both latch or screw & cable-based systems 8-10)according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic side view of an attenuable cage in anMRD with a attenuating/fastening system (SAPS-based system 11) accordingto another embodiment of the invention, useful for providing ahomogeneous, stable and uniform magnetic field in sample cavity confinedby the cage, within which a sample is introduced;

FIGS. 12 a and 12 b illustrate each a schematic side view of anattenuable cage in an MRD with a attenuating/fastening system(SAPs-based system 11) as defined above, FIG. 12 a is a top view, andFIG. 12 b is top view of the same, along cut A:A; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic side view of an attenuable cage in anMRD with a different attenuating/fastening system (SAPs-based system 12)according to another embodiment of the invention, useful for providing ahomogeneous, stable and uniform magnetic field in sample cavity confinedby the cage, within which a sample is introduced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following description is provided so as to enable any person skilledin the art to make use of the invention and sets forth the best modescontemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Variousmodifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in theart, since the general principles of the present invention have beendefined specifically to provide a cage in an MRD with afastening/attenuating system and methods thereof. Therefore, theinvention is not limited by that which is illustrated in the figures anddescribed in the specification, but only as indicated in theaccompanying claims, with the proper scope determined only by thebroadest interpretation of said claims.

The term ‘magnetic resonance device’ (MRD) applies hereinafter to anyMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) device, any Nuclear Magnetic Resonance(NMR) spectroscope, any Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) spectroscope, anyNuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) or any combination thereof.

The term ‘tolerance’ refers hereinafter to the interval between thecorner-magnets and the cage walls, enabling displacement of the walls.

The term ‘about’ refers hereinafter to ±20% of the defined measure. Theterm ‘plurality’ if not otherwise specified, applies hereinafter to anyinteger greater than or equal to one.

The term ‘adjust’ applies hereinafter to a change of the magnet'sparameters before or after assembly, to optimize the magnetic fielduniformity.

The term ‘pole-piece’ applies hereinafter to an element of highpermeability material used to shape the uniformity of the magnetic fluxfrom a permanent magnet. It is in the scope of the present inventionwherein the pole-magnet pieces are selected from metal alloyingmaterial, and especially from steel material.

It is in the scope of the invention wherein the term pole-piece alsorefers to attenuable or otherwise adjustable pole pieces, adapted toensure a homogeneous, stable and uniform magnetic field within thediagnostic zone, interchangeably descried below as a confined volume,sample cavity etc. Hence for example, toroidal and disk-shaped rings,cubes or any other constructions can be incorporated adjacent to orwithin pole pieces, and extruded from ferromagnetic metals,non-ferromagnetic metals, non-metallic substances or magnetic materials.

According to an embodiment of the invention which is presented in anon-limiting manner, a steel pole piece, formed as a right solidcylindrical section approximately equal in diameter to the main magnet,is positioned in face-to-face with main magnet and main magnet face. Theentire assembly is positioned within a right cylindrical or polygonalsteel sleeve or cage which is closed off by a cylindrical or polygonalsteel end cap. A second permanent magnet assembly is placed within thesleeve or cage in face-to-face relationship with an identical, mirrorimage permanent magnet assembly having substantially identicalcomponents and construction and spaced apart from the second magnetassembly to form an air gap therebetween. A steel sleeve extends toenclose the magnet assemblies and the air gap. A pair of removable sidewalls allows access to the air gap when removed from sleeve or cage.Permanent magnet assemblies opposite in polarity create a magnetic fluxfield across the air gap. A centrally located segment of the air gap isidentified as a diagnostic zone across which the magnetic flux is at itsmost powerful and uniform.

The term ‘side-magnets’ applies hereinafter to permanent magnetsarranged around the sides of pole-pieces. It is in the scope of theinvention wherein at least a portion of side-magnets are superconductorsor ferromagnets.

It is thus one embodiment of the present invention to provide anefficient cage of an MRD for providing a homogeneous, stable and uniformmagnetic field therein, characterized by an outside shell. A fasteningsystem, integrated within the cage, is disclosed and shown inalternative configurations (1A and 1B) in FIG. 1 a and FIG. 1 b. Bothconfigurations 1A and 1B, as well as cages 2-11 defined below, areillustrated schematically (not to scale). The cage with fastening system(1) comprises a plurality of M pole pieces (45), where M is an integergreater than or equal to 2; a plurality of N side magnets (20), where Nis an integer greater than or equal to 2, the side magnets substantiallyenclosing the pole pieces and thereby defining a magnetic envelope andenclosed volume therein; a plurality of N side walls (10), the sidewalls substantially enclosing the side magnets; and, a plurality of Pface walls (30), where P is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and aplurality of fastening rods (100). Each of the fastening rods physicallyinterconnects at least one pair of side walls, passing through at leastone of the side magnets and at least one of the pole pieces (45). It isin the scope of the invention wherein at least a portion of the wallsare made of metal alloys, preferably soft iron alloy. It is also in thescope of the present invention wherein the cage's general contour ischaracterized by (i) a polyhedron such as tetrahedron, pentahedron orhexahedron; rounded, curved or circular cross section or any combinationthereof.

Rods (100) are at least partially made of materials selected in anon-limiting manner from a group consisting of metals, especiallystainless steel, polymers, composite materials and mixtures thereof. Itis in the scope of the invention wherein the rods are an elongatedmembers characterized by a shaped cross-section, the shape is selectedin a non-limiting manner form a group consisting of rectangular,polygonal, rounded, twisted round, curved, having a crescent form,recess, niche, bores or notches, screws and a combination thereof.

It is still in the scope of the present invention wherein at least oneof the cage's walls is interconnected with an adjacent wall via alip-containing connection defining a tolerance enabling the cage's wallto displace, and to prevent leakage of the cage's magnetic field.

According to another embodiment of the invention, A cage with afastening system in an MRD is disclosed and shown in FIG. 2. The cagewith fastening system (2) comprises a plurality of M pole pieces (45),where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2; a plurality of N sidemagnets, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the sidemagnets substantially enclosing the pole pieces (45), and therebydefining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality ofN side walls (10), the side walls substantially enclosing the sidemagnets; a plurality of P face walls (30), where P is an integer greaterthan or equal to 2; and a plurality of fastening screws (200). Each ofthe fastening screws physically interconnects one of the face walls withone of the side walls.

According to another embodiment of the invention, A cage with afastening system in an MRD is disclosed and shown in FIG. 3. The cagewith fastening system (3) comprises a plurality of M pole pieces (45),where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2; a plurality of N sidemagnets, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the sidemagnets substantially enclosing the pole pieces (45), and therebydefining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality ofN side walls (10), the side walls substantially enclosing the sidemagnets; a plurality of P face walls (30), where P is an integer greaterthan or equal to 2; a plurality of fastening rods (100); and a pluralityof fastening screws (200). Each of the fastening rods physicallyinterconnects at least one pair of side walls, passing through at leastone of the side magnets and at least one of the pole pieces (45), andfurther wherein each of the fastening screws physically interconnectsone of the face walls with one of the side walls.

According to another embodiment of the invention, A cage with afastening system in an MRD is disclosed and shown in FIG. 4. The cagewith fastening system (4) comprises a plurality of M pole pieces (45),where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2; a plurality of N sidemagnets, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the sidemagnets substantially enclosing the pole pieces (45), thereby defining amagnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of N sidewalls (10) defined by at least one shaped recess, the side wallssubstantially enclosing the side magnets; a plurality of P face walls(30) defined by at least one anchoring latches (210) suitable to besecurely accommodated within the shaped recess, where P is an integergreater than or equal to 2; and a plurality of fastening screws (200).Each of the anchoring latches physically interconnects one of the facewalls with one of the side walls.

According to another embodiment of the invention, A cage with afastening system in an MRD is disclosed and shown in FIG. 5. The cagewith fastening system (5) comprises a plurality of M pole pieces (45),where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2; a plurality of N sidemagnets, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the sidemagnets substantially enclosing the pole pieces (45), thereby defining amagnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of N sidewalls (10) defined by at least one shaped recess, the side wallssubstantially enclosing the side magnets; a plurality of P face walls(30) defined by at least one screw (205) suitable to be securelyaccommodated within the shaped recess, where P is an integer greaterthan or equal to 2; and a plurality of fastening screws (200). Each ofthe anchoring latches physically interconnects one of the face wallswith one of the side walls.

According to another embodiment of the invention, A cage with afastening system in an MRD is disclosed and shown in FIG. 6. The cagewith fastening system (6) comprises a plurality of M pole pieces (45),where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2; a plurality of N sidemagnets, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the sidemagnets substantially enclosing the pole pieces (45), and therebydefining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality ofN side walls (10), the side walls substantially enclosing the sidemagnets; a plurality of P face walls (30), where P is an integer greaterthan or equal to 2; optionally, a set of two or more fastening abutments(300); and, at least one fastening belt (400), optionally fastened andsecured by means of ratchet 401. The fastening belt physicallyinterconnects at least a portion of the circumference of the cage.

According to another embodiment of the invention, A cage with afastening system in an MRD is disclosed and shown in FIG. 7. The cagewith fastening system (7) comprises a plurality of M pole pieces (45),where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2; a plurality of N sidemagnets, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the sidemagnets substantially enclosing the pole pieces (45), and therebydefining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality ofN side walls (10), the side walls substantially enclosing the sidemagnets; a plurality of P face walls (30), where P is an integer greaterthan or equal to 2; a plurality of fastening rods (100); optionally, aset of two or more fastening abutments (300); and at least one fasteningbelt (400), optionally fastened and secured by means of ratchet 401.Each of the fastening rods physically interconnects at least one pair ofside walls, passing through at least one of the side magnets and atleast one of the pole pieces (45); and further wherein the fasteningbelt physically interconnects at least a portion of the circumference ofthe cage.

According to another embodiment of the invention, A cage with afastening system in an MRD is disclosed and shown in FIG. 8. The cagewith fastening system (8) comprises a plurality of M pole pieces (45),where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2; a plurality of N sidemagnets, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the sidemagnets substantially enclosing the pole pieces (45), thereby defining amagnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of N sidewalls (10), the side walls substantially enclosing the side magnets; aplurality of P face walls (30), where P is an integer greater than orequal to 2; a plurality of fastening screws (200); optionally, a set oftwo or more fastening abutments (300); and at least one fastening belt(400), optionally fastened and secured by means of ratchet 401. Each ofthe fastening screws physically interconnects one of the face walls withone of the walls; and further wherein each fastening belt physicallyinterconnects at least a portion of the circumference of the cage.

According to another embodiment of the invention, A cage with afastening system in an MRD is disclosed and shown in FIG. 9. The cagewith fastening system (9) comprises a plurality of M pole pieces (45),where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2; a plurality of N sidemagnets, where N is an, integer greater than or equal to 2, the sidemagnets substantially enclosing the pole pieces (45), thereby defining amagnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of N sidewalls (10), the side walls substantially enclosing the side magnets; aplurality of P face walls (30), where P is an integer greater than orequal to 2; a plurality of fastening rods (100); a plurality offastening screws (200); optionally, a set of two or more fasteningabutments (300); and at least one fastening belt (400), optionallyfastened and secured by means of ratchet 401. Each of the fastening rodsphysically interconnects at least one pair of side walls, passingthrough at least one of the side magnets and at least one of the polepieces (45); wherein each of the fastening screws physicallyinterconnects one of the face walls with one of the side walls; andfurther wherein each of the fastening belt physically interconnects atleast a portion of the circumference of the cage.

According to another embodiment of the invention, A cage with afastening system in an MRD is disclosed and shown in FIG. 10. The cagewith fastening system (10) comprises a plurality of M pole pieces (45),where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2; a plurality of N sidemagnets (20), where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the sidemagnets substantially enclosing the pole pieces (45), thereby defining amagnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of N sidewalls (10) defined by at least one shaped recess, the side wallssubstantially enclosing the side magnets; a plurality of P face walls(30) defined by at least one anchoring latches (210) suitable to besecurely accommodated within the shaped recess, where P is an integergreater than or equal to 2; optionally, a set of two or more fasteningabutments (300); and at least one fastening belt (400), optionallyfastened and secured by means of ratchet 401. The fastening beltphysically interconnects at least a portion of the circumference of thecage; and further wherein each of the anchoring latches physicallyinterconnects one of the face walls with one of the side walls.

Fastening belt (400) is at least partially made of materials selected ina non-limiting manner from a group consisting of metals, especiallystainless steal, polymers, composite materials and mixtures thereof. Thefastening belt is constructed from flexible or non flexible materials.The belt may be narrow or wide. A net comprising a plurality of belts,e.g., some of them incorporated within others, is a useful option.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a cage in an MRD witha fastening/attenuating system (11) is disclosed and shown in FIG. 11(side view) comprises a plurality of M side magnets (40), where M is aninteger greater than or equal to 2; and a plurality of Q main magnets(126), where Q is an integer greater than or equal to 2, at least one ofthe main magnets being attached to at least one pole piece (45); themain magnet and/or the pole piece positioned, when the cage isassembled, in a three-dimensional configuration ensuring application ofthe highest homogeneous magnetic gradient by the magnets; a plurality ofN side magnets (20), where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2,the side magnets substantially enclosing the pole pieces (45), andthereby defining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; aplurality of N side walls (10) defined by at least one shaped recess,the side walls substantially enclosing the side magnets; a plurality ofP face walls (30), where P is an integer greater than or equal to 2;optionally at least one anchoring latch (210), suitable to be securelyaccommodated within the shaped recess is provided; Rseparating/adjusting rods (SAPs, 124) (here, screw rods), where R isgreater than or equal to 1; each of the SAPs crosses the end; side viewpole, piece (45), cover (123), optionally an external wall (128), an endcup (121), potentially a preset gap between the end cover and the endgap (122), the main magnet (126) and the pole piece (45); at least oneof the SAPs is fastenable, maneuverable or otherwise adjustable by meansof a controlled attenuating mechanism (125), e.g., a screw-nut etc.,located adjacent to at least one end of the SAP. By fastening,maneuvering or otherwise adjusting the SAP by means of the controlledattenuating mechanism, the three-dimensional configuration of the eithermain magnet and/or pole pieces (45), is adjusted, providing both (i) ahomogeneous, stable and uniform magnetic field therein and (ii) arelatively large sample cavity confined by the cage, within which asample is introduced.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein a set of two or morefastening abutments (300) and/or at least one fastening belt (400)physically interconnects at least a portion of the circumference of thecage. Also in the scope of the invention is a cage in an MRD with afastening/attenuating system (11) with at least one anchoring latchsuitable to be securely accommodated within a shaped recess as definedabove.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 12 a and 12 b, presenting the cage in anMRD with a fastening/attenuating system (11) as defined above. Crosssection A:A illustrated in FIG. 12 a (side view) is furtherschematically presented in FIG. 12 b in a not-to-scale cross-section(top view), and comprises end cover (dashed line 123), end cup (dashedline 121), SAPs (124), side magnets (40) and pole piece (45). Sidemagnets 40 are preferably positioned within narrow air gaps 122 a.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a cage in an MRD witha fastening/attenuating system (12) is disclosed and shown in FIG. 12(side view). The device shown in FIG. 12 is similar to the one disclosedand defined in FIG. 11, except for a few changes: e.g., pole piece 45further comprises one or more recesses (cavities, grooves, channels,conduits, bores etc) adapted to accommodate attenuation means. Theattenuation means are members utilized for adjusting the magnetic fluxcreated by the initial MRD/cage magnet arrangement. The attenuationmeans may include a plurality of bolts rotatably journaled to each shim,each bolt being individually axially adjustable with respect to a polepiece whereby each shim may be positioned in a direction in to oroutward from each cavity and whereby each shim may be positioned at atilt with respect to pole piece axis. Additionally or alternatively,toroidal rings or ring-like structures having rectangular or othercross-section may be used.

Hence for example, recess 130 is a disk groove adapted to place disk140. The disk, located in a recess positioned adjacent to the measuringvolume (130), and/or in an opposite location (131), is either made ofcontinuous and homogeneous/heterogeneous composition (see 140 forexample), or otherwise provided with one or more bores (See 142) adaptedto contain one or more attenuating means (143) of various shapes, sizesand compositions. Additionally or alternatively, pole piece 45 comprisesone or more lateral recesses, such as a groove positioned adjacent tothe measuring volume (132), and/or a groove located in the oppositedirection (133). Grooves 132 and/or 133 adapted to contain rings of anysize, shape and composition, such as rectangular (polygonal)cross-section (144), cylindrical or ellipsoidal cross-section (145),etc.

By fastening, maneuvering or otherwise adjusting the SAP by means of thecontrolled attenuating mechanism, the three-dimensional configuration ofthe main magnet and/or pole piece is adjusted, providing both (i) ahomogeneous, stable and uniform magnetic field therein and (ii) arelatively large sample cavity confined by the cage, within which asample is introduced.

In another embodiment of the present invention a method of obtaining anintegratably fastened cage is disclosed, comprising a step ofincorporating at least one internal (integrated) fastening means asdefined above, e.g., fastening rods, fastening screws, anchoring latchesetc.

In another embodiment of the present invention a method of obtaining anon-integrated fastened cage is disclosed, comprising a step ofincorporating at least one external (non-integrated) fastening means asdefined above, e.g., a fastening belt.

In another embodiment of the present invention a method of obtaining anintegratably sensitively-attenutated cage of an MRD is disclosed. Themethod comprises steps of (a) providing an MRD as defined above; (b)incorporating a plurality of SAPs within the cage, and optionallyfurther incorporating either or both (i) at least one internal(integrated) attenuating means as defined above, e.g., fastening rods,fastening screws, anchoring latches etc., and (ii) at least one external(non-integrated) fastening means as defined above, e.g., a fasteningbelt; and (c) fastening, maneuvering or otherwise adjusting the SAP orSAPs by means of a controlled-attenuating mechanism thus providing ahomogeneous, stable and uniform magnetic field in sample cavity confinedby the cage, within which a sample is introduced.

1. A method of fastening a cage with a fastening system in an MRD, said method comprising steps of: a. assembling a plurality of pole pieces; a plurality of side magnets, said side magnets substantially enclosing said pole pieces and thereby defining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of side walls, said side walls substantially enclosing said side magnets; a plurality of face walls and a plurality of fastening rods; and, b. passing a plurality of fastening rods through at least one of said side magnets and at least one of said pole pieces and fastening them in an effective measure, such that said rods physically interconnects at least one pair of side walls.
 2. A method of fastening a cage with a fastening system in an MRD, said method comprising steps of: a. assembling a plurality of pole pieces; a plurality of side magnets, said side magnets substantially enclosing said pole pieces and thereby defining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of side walls, said side walls substantially enclosing said side magnets; a plurality of face walls; and a plurality of fastening rods; and plurality of fastening screws; and, b. passing a plurality of fastening rods through at least one of said side magnets and at least one of said pole pieces and fastening them in an effective measure, such that said rods physically interconnect at least one pair of side walls; while physically interconnecting one of said face walls said fastening screws with one of said side walls.
 3. A method of a fastening a cage with a fastening system in an MRD, said method comprising steps of: a. assembling a plurality of pole pieces; a plurality of side magnets, said side magnets substantially enclosing said pole pieces and thereby defining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of side walls, said side walls substantially enclosing said side magnets; a plurality P of face walls defined by at least one anchoring latch suitable to be securely accommodated within a shaped recess; and a plurality of fastening screws; and, b. interconnecting physically one of said face walls' said anchoring latches with one of said side walls.
 4. A method of fastening a cage with a fastening system in an MRD, said method comprising steps of: a. assembling a plurality of pole pieces; a plurality of side magnets, said side magnets substantially enclosing said pole pieces and thereby defining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of side walls, said side walls substantially enclosing said side magnets; a plurality of face walls; and at least one fastening belt; and, b. interconnecting physically at least a portion of the circumference of said cage by said fastening belt.
 5. A method of fastening a cage with a fastening system in an MRD according to claim 4, wherein said step of assembling a plurality of pole pieces; a plurality of side magnets, said side magnets substantially enclosing said pole pieces and thereby defining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of side walls, said side walls substantially enclosing said side magnets; a plurality of face walls; and at least one fastening belt further comprises an additional step of fastening and securing said fastening belt by means of a ratchet.
 6. A method of fastening a cage with a fastening system in an MRD, said method comprising steps of: a. assembling a plurality of pole pieces; a plurality of side magnets, said side magnets substantially enclosing said pole pieces and thereby defining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of side walls, said side walls substantially enclosing said side magnets; a plurality of face walls; at least one fastening belt; and a plurality of fastening rods; and, b. passing a plurality of said fastening rods through at least one of said side magnets and at least one of said pole pieces and fastening them in an effective measure, such that said rods physically interconnects at least one pair of side walls while physically interconnecting at least a portion of the circumference of said cage by said fastening belt.
 7. A method of fastening a cage with a fastening system in an MRD according to claim 6, wherein said step of assembling a plurality of pole pieces; a plurality of side magnets, said side magnets substantially enclosing said pole pieces and thereby defining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of side walls, said side walls substantially enclosing said side magnets; a plurality of face walls; at least one fastening belt; and a plurality of fastening rods further comprises an additional step of fastening and securing said fastening belt by means of a ratchet.
 8. A method of attenuating the magnetic field within a sample cavity in a fastened cage of an MRD, said method comprising steps of: a. assembling a plurality of pole pieces; a plurality of main magnets, wherein at least one of said main magnets is attached to at least one pole piece, said main magnet and/or said pole piece positioned, when cage is assembled, in a three-dimensional configuration ensuring application of highest homogeneous magnetic gradient by the said magnets; a plurality of side magnets, said side magnets substantially enclosing said pole pieces and thereby defining a magnetic envelope and enclosed volume therein; a plurality of side walls defined by at least one shaped recess, said side walls substantially enclosing said side magnets; a plurality of face walls; a plurality of R SAPs, each of said SAPs crossing said end cover, said end cup, said main magnet and said pole piece; and, b. fastening, maneuvering or otherwise attenuating at least one of said SAPs by means of a controlled attenuating mechanism located adjacent to at least one end of said SAP, such that the three-dimensional configuration of said either main magnet and/or pole piece is adjusted providing a homogeneous, stable and uniform magnetic field therein.
 9. A method of attenuating the magnetic field within a sample cavity in a fastened cage of an MRD as defined in claim 9, wherein each of said SAPs crosses a preset gap between said end cover and said end gap. 